Water main break in Fox Lake sparks evacuation of 6 homes

A water main in Fox Lake broke Wednesday afternoon due to a retaining wall collapsing in the Leisure Village subdivision. Continuing rainfall could make the situation worse.

FOX LAKE — Six homes in Fox Lake needed to be evacuated Wednesday afternoon after a water main break in the Leisure Village subdivision, village officials say.

According to a news release from the Village of Fox Lake, emergency crews responded to a water main break caused by a retaining wall collapse at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday. Six homes surrounding the water main were evacuated due to the impending risk.

The retention wall is already failing and continued rainfall in the area could compound the issue, the release states.

The Fox Lake Police Department, Fire Department and Water Department are on the scene, waiting for a structural engineer to assess the damage. According to the release, the water main was successfully shut down at 1:15 p.m.

Village officials were not immediately available for comment regarding the risk the broken main poses or how often water mains are inspected.

Until repairs are made, Leisure Village residents are being asked to relocate to Lakefront Park, 71 Nippersink Blvd. and Leisure Village Community Center.